Planning

The decorating process starts with the person: You are the only one who can decide what kind of home you want, how much you are willing or able to pay for it…. making sure that your lifestyle, personality, preferences and other family members are all taken into consideration.

Try to imagine your ideal home; look at it in its environment. Ask yourself some questions like:

1. What architectural style is your home
2. How does it sit in its environment
3. What are some styles you like: French Country, Italian, English, - Exotic, Contemporary, Retro, Period Style
4. What is your lifestyle, are you a casual person or more formal, think about the mood you want to create
5. Do you want it child friendly Have the children all grown up and you are now updating for yourselves
6. What colours are you drawn to , do they lift you up, make you feel good or leave you cold
7. Do you like to entertain, if so how often and how many do you tend to invite. All these questions will help you to start to discover the type of place that best suits you and your lifestyle

Getting Started

All schemes have to start somewhere; you may want to focus on what you already have, like a rug, a special piece of furniture, and define your priorities, list the things you need and set yourself a budget. Successful interior decorating depends on careful planning before you start

Look around for inspiration, nurture and try to find your own decorating style. Look through magazines, books, and visit show homes, make a point to visit ‘open homes’, take notice of rooms you see on television or in films identifying not only what you like but also what you don’t like…. A fabric pattern, a piece of furniture, colours - all will help you to identify your own particular style. Tear out relevant pages of magazines and catalogues; once you find these, file them away. Slowly you will begin to absorb all this and a picture will start to emerge, you will notice some may be more light and pale (neutral) with texture, or cosy and warm filled with books and photographs, others may be more minimalistic, which some people will perceive as cold and uninviting.

What is Style

Style is about being able to put things together in a way that flows and harmonizes, that doesn’t clash. Try not to follow recent trends as they are often shallow and last a short time, better to build a foundation based on your personality, preferences and lifestyle. All this will build up your confidence to transform your ideas and aspirations into a house that is appealing, efficient, comfortable and more importantly reflects you.

The best houses are the ones that have evolved over time. Don’t be in a rush to have it all now, living in a home for a while can inspire your imagination and help you to evaluate areas better than earlier on, as they may have been overlooked…such as how much light does a particular room receive; that will determine what colour should be used on the walls and furnishings.

A room style is generally dictated by its size, proportion and detailing. You wouldn’t furnish a small, low ceiling and dark room with massive furniture or a large room with delicate pieces.

A lot of people are attracted to the super large mansions we are seeing now, but it’s only human nature that wants us to close in and create a place that is comfortable and reassuring.

Distinctive accessories and personal details often give a house its personality

A home that fulfils your practical needs and reflects your personality recharges your batteries and soothes your spirit, a place you call ‘Home’.

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